Electrosurgical tubular shaft, surgical instrument grip and electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical tubular shaft for use with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument is provided. The tubular shaft comprises a tube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, at least one electric connection line electrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged at the proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasably coupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft. The tube comprises an outlet opening which is arranged distally of the at least one coupling element and through which the at least one connection line issues from the tube. The tubular shaft comprises an electric connection element for an electric energy supply. A surgical instrument grip and an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of commonly owned co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 15/137,263 filed on Apr. 25, 2016, which is acontinuation of international application number PCT/EP2014/072044,filed on Oct. 14, 2014, and claims the benefit of German applicationnumber 10 2013 111 912.3, filed Oct. 29, 2013, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaft foruse with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgicaltubular shaft instrument, the tubular shaft comprising a tube, anelectrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, atleast one electric connection line electrically connected to the tooland extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged atthe proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least onecorresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasablycoupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft.

The invention also relates to a surgical instrument grip for use with anelectrosurgical tubular shaft for formation of an electrosurgicaltubular shaft instrument, comprising at least one coupling element forinteracting with at least one corresponding coupling element of thetubular shaft for releasably coupling the tubular shaft to theinstrument grip.

The invention further relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaftinstrument, comprising a surgical instrument grip and an electrosurgicaltubular shaft which is releasably connectable to the instrument grip.

Herein, “proximal” and “distal” are to be construed as relating to useof the tubular shaft, the instrument grip and the tubular shaftinstrument for their intended purpose, with the tubular shaftinteracting at the proximal end and the instrument grip at the distalend. The user acts from the proximal end on the instrument grip andoperates with the tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A tubular shaft and an instrument grip of the aforementioned kind can bereleasably connected to each other by the respective coupling elementsforming a coupling device, in order to form an aforementionedelectrosurgical tubular shaft instrument. For this purpose, theinstrument grip usually comprises a sleeve-shaped receptacle into whichthe tubular shaft is partially insertable and in which it is releasablylockable. By means of at least one grip element of the instrument grip,it is usually possible to act on a pulling and/or pushing forcetransmission element guided in the tube, which is coupled at the distalend to the tool, so that the tool can be actuated with the at least onegrip element.

The tool of the tubular shaft is electrically connected to at least oneelectric connection line, so that the tool can be supplied withelectrosurgical energy. For electrical safety reasons, the at least oneconnection line extends in the tube, and it can thereby also be keptaway from the operating site, which improves the handling of the tubularshaft. In the known tubular shaft instruments, the at least one electricconnection line as well as the at least one coupling element areintroduced into the instrument grip in which the electric connectionline is contacted by electric contact members. For this purpose, theinstrument grip, for its part, is connected by a further electricconnection line to an electric energy supply. These tubular shafts,instrument grips and, consequently, tubular shaft instruments have arelatively complicated construction as only relatively littleconstructional space is available for mechanical connection of thetubular shaft to the instrument grip and electric contacting of the atleast one connection line in the instrument grip. With exchangeabletubular shaft systems in which a reusable instrument grip is used withone-way tubular shafts, such mechanical coupling and electric contactingin the instrument grip makes cleaning, in particular, sterilization,thereof, after operational use, difficult.

An object underlying the present invention is to provide a generictubular shaft, a generic instrument grip and a generic tubular shaftinstrument, so that the tubular shaft instrument formed by the tubularshaft and the instrument grip has a constructionally simpler design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical tubular shaft foruse with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgicaltubular shaft instrument is provided, the tubular shaft comprising atube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubularshaft, at least one electric connection line electrically connected tothe tool and extending in the tube, and at least one coupling elementarranged at the proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting withat least one corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip forreleasably coupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft. The tubecomprises an outlet opening which is arranged distally of the at leastone coupling element and through which the at least one connection lineissues from the tube, and in that the tubular shaft comprises anelectric connection element for an electric energy supply, which isarranged at the proximal end on the at least one connection line.

In a second aspect of the invention, a surgical instrument grip for usewith an electrosurgical tubular shaft in accordance with the firstaspect for formation of an electrosurgical tubular shaft instrument isprovided, the instrument grip comprising at least one coupling elementfor interacting with at least one corresponding coupling element of thetubular shaft for releasably coupling the tubular shaft to theinstrument grip, and at least one connecting element for releasablyfixing the at least one connection line of the tubular shaft to theinstrument grip.

In a third aspect of the invention, an electrosurgical tubular shaftinstrument, comprises a surgical instrument grip and an electrosurgicaltubular shaft in accordance with the first aspect are provided. Thetubular shaft is connectable to the instrument grip, and the tubularshaft comprises at least one connecting element for releasably fixingthe at least one connection line to the instrument grip, which interactswith the at least one correspondingly constructed connecting element ofthe instrument grip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary and the following description may be betterunderstood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tubularshaft instrument in accordance with the invention, comprising apreferred embodiment of a tubular shaft in accordance with the inventionand a preferred embodiment of an instrument grip in accordance with theinvention, wherein the tubular shaft and the instrument grip are shownin a state in which they are not yet connected to each other;

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged representation of a proximal section of thetubular shaft instrument from FIG. 1, wherein the tubular shaft and theinstrument grip are connected to each other;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a connection element of the tubular shaftfrom FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the connection element from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a closure element of the instrument gripfrom FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a partial representation of a proximal end area of thetubular shaft instrument from FIG. 1, wherein the connection elementfrom FIG. 3 is connected to the closure element from FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a partial representation of a distal end area of theinstrument grip and the proximal end area of the tubular shaft from FIG.1, partly in section;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of atubular shaft instrument in accordance with the invention, comprising apreferred embodiment of a tubular shaft in accordance with the inventionand a preferred embodiment of an instrument grip in accordance with theinvention, wherein the tubular shaft and the instrument grip are shownin a state in which they are connected to each other;

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged representation of a proximal section of thetubular shaft instrument from FIG. 9 in an exploded view; and

FIG. 11 shows the proximal section from FIG. 10 again from a differentperspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to belimited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be madein the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claimsand without departing from the invention.

The present invention relates to an electrosurgical tubular shaft foruse with a surgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgicaltubular shaft instrument, the tubular shaft comprising a tube, anelectrosurgical tool arranged at the distal end on the tubular shaft, atleast one electric connection line electrically connected to the tooland extending in the tube, and at least one coupling element arranged atthe proximal end on the tubular shaft for interacting with at least onecorresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasablycoupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft. The tube comprises anoutlet opening which is arranged distally of the at least one couplingelement and through which the at least one connection line issues fromthe tube, and in that the tubular shaft comprises an electric connectionelement for an electric energy supply, which is arranged at the proximalend on the at least one connection line.

With the tubular shaft in accordance with the invention, the at leastone electric connection line extends from the tool in thedistal-proximal direction in the tube. Through the outlet opening, theat least one connection line can issue from the tube at a distal spacingfrom the at least one coupling element. The at least one connectionline, therefore, has a distal section extending in the tube and aproximal section extending outside the tube. Arranged at the proximalend on the at least one connection line is an electric connectionelement, which is connectable to an electric energy supply, so that thetool can be supplied with electrosurgical energy by way of the at leastone connection line. Owing to the distal section of the at least oneconnection line extending in the tube, the electrical safety of thetubular shaft can be ensured, and the connection line is arranged farfrom the operating site, in order to facilitate the handling of thetubular shaft. The arrangement of the proximal section of the at leastone connection line outside of the tube facilitates its electriccontacting considerably. The connection line can be led outside past theinstrument grip or along it and be contacted outside of the instrumentgrip. In particular, an instrument grip interacting with the tubularshaft in accordance with the invention does not need to have any insideelectric contact members. Owing to the arrangement outside of the tubeand the instrument grip, the connection element of the tubular shaft canbe made sufficiently large for it to be easy to handle by a user. Afiligree configuration of electric contact members as in generic tubularshafts and instrument grips can thereby be avoided. This also makes itpossible for a more robust construction to be imparted to the tubularshaft and the instrument grip.

The outlet opening is expediently arranged in the proximity of theproximal end of the tube, so that the at least one connection lineextends over as large a distance as possible in the tube. For example,when the tube engages the instrument grip, the outlet opening isessentially arranged immediately distally of the instrument grip.

The at least one connection line preferably issues at the side from thetube, transversely to a direction defined by the tube. This makes itpossible for the tube to engage with a section arranged proximally ofthe outlet opening in the instrument grip, for example, for couplingwith it.

In a constructionally simple configuration of the tubular shaft, theoutlet opening is a through-opening which is formed in the tube andthrough which the at least one connection line issues from the tube.

It is advantageous for the tubular shaft to comprise a bushing,receiving the tube, for insertion into a corresponding sleeve of theinstrument grip, the bushing comprising at the proximal end at least onecoupling element, and for there to be formed in the bushing athrough-opening through which the at least one connection line is led.The bushing makes it possible by way of the at least one couplingelement for the tubular shaft to be coupled to the instrument grip, thesleeve of which may have a corresponding coupling element for thispurpose. The tube can be reinforced and thereby protected by way of thebushing. The at least one connection line having issued from the tube isled through the through-opening formed in the bushing, which isexpediently in alignment with the outlet opening on the tube.

The tubular shaft preferably comprises a sheath surrounding at least insections the at least one connection line at its section which hasissued from the tube. The sheath enables protection and/or guidance ofthe at least one connection line. For example, the sheath is configuredas channel or as protective sleeve in which the at least one connectionline is guided. The sheath can surround the connection line withpositive locking and be fixed to it. It may be provided that the atleast one connection line is not surrounded by the sheath in the area ofthe outlet opening so that the at least one connection line can befolded or bent for easier handling of its section which has issued fromthe tube. Proximally of the outlet opening, the connection line is, onthe other hand, preferably surrounded by the sheath.

The sheath is preferably of elongate construction, in particular,straight-lined.

The sheath is advantageously resistant to bending, so that the at leastone connection line can be protected in a better way. In this context,“resistant to bending” is to be understood as meaning, in particular,that the force required for bending the sleeve significantly exceeds theforce required for bending the at least one connection line.

In a different kind of advantageous embodiment, the sheath is flexible.For example, it is a flexible hose.

A preferred embodiment of the tubular shaft in accordance with theinvention is a bipolar electrosurgical tubular shaft and comprises twoelectric connection lines electrically connected to the tool. The toolcomprises, for example, two jaw parts, each of which is electricallyconnected to one of the connection lines. The jaw parts can thereby beprovided with different electric polarity. By supplying energy to thetubular shaft, an electric current, in particular, a high-frequencycurrent, can flow between the jaw parts, in order to coagulate bodytissue.

For example, in the last-mentioned preferred embodiment of the tubularshaft in accordance with the invention, the tool may be a forceps tool,with the two jaw parts being connected to connection lines of differentpolarity.

If more than one connection line is provided, it is advantageous for acommon connection element to be provided, which is arranged at theproximal end on both connection lines. This allows both connection linesto be connected at the proximal end to an energy supply by a commonconnection element.

Further provision may be made for the two (or more) electric connectionlines to be surrounded at their sections which have issued from the tubeby a common sheath. For protection and/or easier handling, two (or more)connection lines may be combined by the sheath outside of the tube.

It may be provided that the tubular shaft comprises at least one contactmember which is accommodated in the connection element and iselectrically connected to the at least one connection line. For example,the connection element is configured as plug, which has a body enclosingthe at least one contact member. For example, the at least one contactmember is molded in the body and electrically connected therein to theat least one connection line. If two or more electric connection linesare provided, two or more contact members are expediently accommodatedin the connection element, each electrically connected to one of theconnection lines.

The at least one electric contact member can be arranged on a proximalend face of the connection element, and it can extend axially or axiallyparallel to a proximal-distal direction defined by the tubular shaft.The at least one contact member may be a male or female contact member.

The at least one connection line may be releasably connectable to theconnection element in which the at least one contact member isaccommodated. For example, the at least one connection line may beconnected by way of an electric plug connection to the connectionelement and thereby electrically contact the at least one contactmember.

It is advantageous for the tubular shaft to comprise at least oneconnecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connectionline to the instrument grip. The section of the at least one connectionline which has issued from the tube can be fixed to the instrument gripof the formed tubular shaft instrument by means of the at least oneconnecting element fixed or fixable to the connection line, so that thehandling of the tubular shaft instrument is improved. The releasableconnection of the at least one connection line to the instrument gripalso allows an exchangeable tubular shaft system to be provided, withwhich a reusable instrument grip can be used with several tubularshafts. For each use of a tubular shaft, the at least one connectionline thereof is connected to the instrument grip and, after use,released from it again, so that the tubular shaft can be removed anddisposed of in a user-friendly manner.

The at least one connecting element may be a clamping element and/or alocking element; it may be fixable with positive locking and/or forcelocking to the instrument grip. It is also conceivable for the at leastone connecting element to be fixable to the instrument grip by screwing.

The at least one connecting element can preferably be connected toand/or released from the instrument grip without a tool. The at leastone connecting element preferably interacts with a correspondinglyconstructed connecting element of the instrument grip, so that theconnecting elements form a connecting device for releasable fixing ofthe at least one connection line to the instrument grip.

It is expedient for the connection element to comprise or form aconnecting element. This makes a constructionally simple configurationof the tubular shaft possible. In particular, it is advantageous for nofurther connecting element of the tubular shaft to be provided apartfrom the connecting element comprised or formed by the connectionelement.

The connecting element is preferably formed in one piece with theconnection element so as to enable a constructionally simpleconfiguration of the tubular shaft.

It proves advantageous for the at least one connecting element tocomprise a projection which is insertable into a correspondingreceptacle on the instrument grip, the receptacle being a connectingelement of the instrument grip, which is constructed so as to correspondto the projection. Clamping and/or locking of the projection to thereceptacle are, for example, possible so as to enable a connection ofthe connecting element to the instrument grip with force locking and/orpositive locking. A screw connection of projection and receptacle isalso possible.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the at least oneconnecting element comprises a receptacle on the connection element,into which a corresponding projection on the instrument grip isinsertable.

The projection may, for example, be arranged at the distal end on the atleast one connecting element, in particular, on a distal end face of theconnecting element. This allows a compact construction to be imparted tothe tubular shaft instrument when a connecting element constructed so asto correspond to the projection is arranged at the proximal end on theinstrument grip, for example, on a proximal end face.

The projection may be configured, in particular, as rib or strip.

It is advantageous for the projection to define an axis which is alignedat an angle to a proximal-distal axis defined by the tube. The axisdefined by the projection can define an insertion direction forinsertion thereof into the receptacle on the instrument grip. The anglebetween the axis of the projection and the proximal-distal axis can, forexample, ensure that the projection is not inserted axially along theproximal-distal axis into the receptacle (or parallel thereto). Thisallows the pulling force on the at least one connection line to bereduced when inserting the projection into the receptacle and anypossible damage to the connection line to thereby be prevented.

The angle between the axes is advantageously an acute angle. It may, forexample, be from approximately 70° to approximately 85°, for example,approximately 80°. A leading end of the projection when inserting theprojection into the receptacle is expediently arranged more distallythan an end of the projection that is last inserted into the receptacle,so that an undercut can be formed between the at least one connectingelement of the tubular shaft and the corresponding connecting element onthe instrument grip. The acute angle between the axes can, therefore, beconstrued as relating to a proximal-distal direction and an insertiondirection of the projection into the receptacle on the instrument grip.

It is expedient for the at least one connecting element to comprise orform an abutment member for the instrument grip, in particular, on adistal end face. A reliable relative positioning of the at least oneconnecting element and the instrument grip can thereby be ensured. Forexample, the at least one connecting element can abut in flange-likemanner by way of the abutment member on the instrument grip. Theabutment member may be of planar configuration, and it can define aplane, parallel to which the aforementioned axis defined by theprojection extends. The plane may be inclined relative to aproximal-distal axis. The aforementioned projection may project in thedistal direction from the abutment member.

It proves expedient for the at least one connecting element to have acylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour, in particular,in the circumferential direction of a proximal-distal axis defined bythe tube. The at least one connecting element is, for example, ofcylindrical and, in particular, disk-shaped configuration with acylindrical outer contour, which is expediently adapted to an outercontour of the instrument grip. This allows the thus formed tubularshaft instrument to be given a more pleasing appearance and simplifiesits handling.

The present invention further relates to a surgical instrument grip foruse with an electrosurgical tubular shaft for formation of anelectrosurgical tubular shaft instrument. The instrument grip isdesigned for use with a tubular shaft of the aforementioned kind andcomprises at least one coupling element for interacting with at leastone corresponding coupling element of the tubular shaft for releasablycoupling the tubular shaft to the instrument grip. The instrument gripcomprises at least one connecting element for releasably fixing the atleast one connection line of the tubular shaft to the instrument grip.

The advantages achievable with use of the tubular shaft in accordancewith the invention or advantageous embodiments thereof could also beachieved with the instrument grip in accordance with the invention, andso reference is to be had in this connection to the above explanations.In particular, the at least one connection line of the tubular shaft isreleasably fixable to the instrument grip, which, for this purpose,comprises at least one connecting element. The at least one connectingelement can interact, in particular, with the aforementioned at leastone connecting element which is fixed or fixable to the section of theconnection line which has issued from the tube and can form a connectingdevice with this connecting element. The at least one connecting elementof the instrument grip can be constructed for clamping and/or locking,for positive locking and/or force locking connection. A connection ofthe at least one connection line to the instrument grip without a tooland/or a release of the at least one connection line from the instrumentgrip without a tool are also possible. It is also conceivable for theconnecting elements to be screwed to each other.

The at least one connecting element is preferably arranged at theproximal end on the instrument grip, in particular, on a proximal endface of the instrument grip.

In a constructionally simple configuration, the at least one connectingelement may, for example, comprise or form a receptacle into which theat least one electric connection line is insertable. For example, theelectric connection line can be clamped in the receptacle.

It is advantageous for the at least one connecting element to compriseor form a receptacle into which a projection arranged on the at leastone electric connection line is insertable, in particular, for fixing ofthe projection with force locking and/or positive locking in thereceptacle.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one connecting element canhave a projection which is insertable into a correspondingly constructedreceptacle of a connecting element of the tubular shaft.

The receptacle is preferably blind hole-shaped. It is then only possiblefor the projection to be inserted in one insertion direction into thereceptacle. This facilitates the handling of the instrument grip andhelps to avoid faulty connection of the at least one connection line tothe instrument grip.

It is advantageous for the receptacle to define an axis which is alignedat an angle to a proximal-distal axis defined by the instrument grip. Asmentioned above, the alignment of the axes at an angle to each otherallows the projection not to be inserted in a purely axial directioninto the receptacle. The pulling force on the at least one connectionline can thereby be kept as low as possible.

The angle between the axes is preferably an acute angle and can be, forexample, from approximately 70° to approximately 85°, in particular,approximately 80°. The receptacle preferably comprises an insertionopening for insertion of the projection, which is arranged moreproximally than an end of the receptacle, which is located opposite theinsertion opening, for example, a bottom of the blind hole. Theprojection can thereby be inserted from proximal to distal, so to speak,obliquely to the distal-proximal axis into the receptacle, in order toform an undercut between the projection and the receptacle and therebyenable reliable fixing of the at least one connection line to theinstrument grip.

In another kind of configuration of the connecting elements, it isconceivable for the connection element to be able to be connected to theinstrument grip axially along a grip axis defined by the instrumentgrip. The projection and the corresponding receptacle can be axiallyinserted into each other and, in particular, connected in a clampingand/or locking manner to each other. A screw connection of theprojection in the receptacle or a bayonet-type connection is alsoconceivable, with the connection element being rotated or pivotedrelative to the instrument grip in order to connect these to each other.

In an advantageous embodiment of the instrument grip, the connectingelement comprises a projection, which is configured as Luer connector,in particular, for a Luer lock connection with the connection element ofthe tubular shaft. The connection element can be connected by screwingto the instrument grip, with the Luer projection on the instrument gripengaging a Luer receptacle on the connection element.

The Luer connector is preferably configured for connection of a flushingpipe, so that the instrument grip can be acted upon from the proximalend with a flushing liquid and cleaned. The connection of a flushingpipe will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.

It proves advantageous for the at least one connecting element tocomprise or form an abutment member for a connecting element of thetubular shaft, in particular, on a proximal end face of the instrumentgrip. The abutment member is, for example, of planar configuration, andit can define a plane aligned at an angle relative to theproximal-distal direction. The abutment member may, for example, beconstructed for flange-like abutment on the at least one connectingelement of the tubular shaft. The arrangement of the at least oneabutment member on a proximal end face of the instrument grip makes acompact construction of the instrument grip possible.

It is advantageous for the instrument grip to comprise a sleeve-shapedmain body and a closure element connected at the proximal end to themain body for closing the main body. The tubular shaft can be insertedat least partially from the distal end into the sleeve-shaped main bodyand thereby couple with the instrument grip. The closure member isprovided at the proximal end in order to protect the main body at theproximal end. The closure member may close the main body in a sealing ornon-sealing manner. It may, in particular, be provided that an exchangeof medium between the interior of the main body and the environment ispossible through the closure element. For example, the closure elementis plug-shaped, stopper-shaped or cap-shaped.

The closure element preferably has a through-channel in theproximal-distal direction. This allows a flushing pipe to be connectedproximally to the instrument grip and a flushing liquid for cleaning theinstrument grip to be introduced through the closure element into themain body.

The closure element advantageously comprises the at least one connectingelement or forms it so as to enable a constructionally simpleconfiguration of the instrument grip. For example, the connectingelement comprises the aforementioned Luer projection for connecting aflushing pipe.

The at least one connecting element is preferably formed in one piecewith the closure element, also in order to achieve a constructionallysimple configuration.

It is expedient for the closure element to be releasably connectable tothe main body. This makes it possible, for example, to exchange theclosure element, if required, for another closure element which, forexample, does not have or form a through-channel and/or a connectingelement. It is also conceivable to have a closure element comprising orforming a through-channel and/or a connecting element separatelyavailable and to connect it to an instrument grip, so that the functionsand advantages explained hereinabove can be achieved with the instrumentgrip.

It may be provided that the at least one connecting element has acylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour, in particular,in the circumferential direction of a proximal-distal axis defined bythe instrument grip. The outer contour of the connecting element of theinstrument grip may, in particular, be adapted to the outer contour of aconnecting element of the tubular shaft.

In an advantageous embodiment of the instrument grip in accordance withthe invention, the instrument grip is an axial grip and has asleeve-shaped main body and at least one actuatable grip element whichis transferable from a spread position to a close-up position relativeto the main body. The at least one grip element is, for example, mountedfor pivotal movement on the main body, and, in the spread position, itcan assume a non-actuation position, and, in the close-up position, anactuation position. By actuating the grip element, the tool of a tubularshaft coupled to the instrument grip can be acted upon and actuated. Theat least one grip element is, for example, of half-shell-shaped orsubstantially half-shell-shaped configuration and can surround insections the main body in the circumferential direction in the close-upposition. In particular, two actuatable grip elements may be provided.

The present invention further relates to an electrosurgical tubularshaft instrument. A tubular shaft instrument in accordance with theinvention, which accomplishes the object mentioned at the outsetcomprises one of the instrument grips described hereinabove and one ofthe tubular shafts described hereinabove, which is releasablyconnectable to the instrument grip, the tubular shaft comprising atleast one connecting element for releasably fixing the at least oneconnection line to the instrument grip, which interacts with the atleast one correspondingly constructed connecting element of theinstrument grip.

The advantages achievable with the tubular shaft in accordance with theinvention and advantageous embodiments thereof and with the instrumentgrip in accordance with the invention and advantageous embodimentsthereof can also be achieved with use of the tubular shaft instrument inaccordance with the invention. Reference is made in this connection tothe above explanations.

The connecting elements form a connecting device for attachment of theat least one connection line to the instrument grip with force lockingand/or positive locking, in a clamping and/or locking manner and/orwithout a tool. It is also conceivable to form a screw connection or abayonet-type connection.

The instrument grip can define a proximal-distal axis which can be madeto coincide with a proximal-distal axis defined by the tube of thetubular shaft when the instrument grip and the tubular shaft are coupledto each other. The direction defined by this axis will be referred tohereinbelow as axial direction.

It is expedient for the at least one connection line to be of suchdimensions that with its section which has issued from the tube it isfree or substantially free of axial pulling and/or pushing forces. Inparticular, it is thus possible to connect the at least one connectionline in a strain-relieved or substantially strain-relieved manner to theinstrument grip. As a result, the at least one connection line is onlysubjected to low strains and stresses and so damage to it can be largelyavoided.

A compact construction of the tubular shaft instrument may, for example,be achieved by the section of the at least one connection line which hasissued from the tube extending axially parallel from distal to proximalalong the instrument grip, at least in sections.

The section which has issued from the tube extends, in particular, atleast in sections, parallel to the main body of the instrument grip. Itmay be provided that the section or a sheath surrounding the sectionlies against the main body.

It is advantageous for the section of the at least one connection linewhich has issued from the tube to extend transversely to the axialdirection alongside an actuatable grip element of the instrument gripfor acting on the tool. It can thereby be ensured that the section ofthe at least one connection line does not interfere with actuation ofthe grip element. It is expediently provided that the grip element doesnot contact the section of the at least one connection line whentransferring from a non-actuation position to an actuation position.

As mentioned above, it may be provided that the instrument gripcomprises two actuatable grip elements for acting on the tool. Hereprovision is expediently made for the section of the at least oneconnection line which has issued from the tube to extend between thegrip elements, in relation to a direction transverse to the axialdirection. A compact construction of the tubular shaft instrument canthereby be achieved.

It has also been mentioned hereinabove that the outer contours of the atleast one connecting element of the tubular shaft and of the at leastone connecting element of the instrument grip may be adapted to eachother. In the state in which they are connected to each other, theconnecting elements may have a common outer contour, which is, so tospeak, continuous. This imparts a more pleasing appearance to thetubular shaft instrument and facilitates its handling.

For example, it may be provided that the connecting elements each have,in particular, in the circumferential direction of a proximal-distalaxis defined by the instrument grip, a cylindrical or substantiallycylindrical outer contour of the same diameter.

FIG. 1 shows in perspective representation a preferred embodiment of anelectrosurgical tubular shaft instrument in accordance with theinvention, denoted in its entirety by reference numeral 10. The tubularshaft instrument 10 comprises a preferred embodiment of a surgicalinstrument grip in accordance with the invention, denoted by referencenumeral 12, and a preferred embodiment of an electrosurgical tubularshaft in accordance with the invention, denoted by reference numeral 14.The instrument grip 12 and the tubular shaft 14 are releasablyconnectable to each other and are shown (partially) in FIGS. 1 and 7while they are being connected to each other, whereas the instrumentgrip 12 and the tubular shaft 14 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 8 (partiallyin each case) in the state in which they are connected to each other.

Herein, position and orientation indications such as “proximal”,“distal”, “proximal-distal” and the like are to be construed as relatingto use of the tubular shaft instrument 10 for its intended purpose,during which the instrument grip 12 and the tubular shaft 14 areconnected to each other. During use for its intended purpose, the useracts from the proximal direction on the tubular shaft instrument 10 andoperates with a tool 18 arranged at the distal end 16 of the tubularshaft instrument 10. The proximal end of the tubular shaft instrument 10is denoted by reference numeral 20.

The tubular shaft 14 is a bipolar electrosurgical tubular shaft andcomprises at the distal end the aforementioned tool 18, which isconfigured as a forceps tool with two jaw parts 22 movable and, inparticular, pivotable relative to each other. The jaw parts 22 can betransferred from an open position (FIG. 1) in which they are arranged ata distance from each other to a closed position (not shown), so thatbody tissue to be coagulated can be grasped between them.

The tool 18 is arranged at the distal end of a tube 24 of the tubularshaft 14, which comprises two sections offset parallel to each otherdistally and proximally, which merge into each other by double curvatureof the tube 24. The tube 24 could, however, also be of straight-linedconfiguration or have a different kind of curvature.

The proximal section of the tube 24 is accommodated with positivelocking in a bushing 26 of the tubular shaft 14. Coupling elements 28 inthe form of concave recesses 28 are provided proximally on the bushing26, and, consequently, proximally on the tubular shaft 14. The proximalsection of the tube 24 defines a proximal-distal tube axis 30. The tubeaxis 30 can be brought into conformity with a grip axis 32 defined bythe instrument grip 12 when the tubular shaft 14 and the instrument gripare connected to each other for their intended purpose. Therefore,references to the grip axis 32 hereinbelow are at the same timereferences to the tube axis 30 and vice versa.

Guided in the tube 24 is a pulling and/or pushing force transmissionelement, known per se and not shown in the drawings, which is distallyin operative connection with the jaw parts 22, issues at the proximalend from the tube 24 and comprises a coupling element for coupling tothe instrument grip 12.

The instrument grip 12 is configured as axial grip and comprises asubstantially hollow-cylindrical, sleeve-shaped main body 34, whichdefines the grip axis 32. At the distal end, the instrument grip 12 hasa sleeve 36 which is mounted for displacement on the main body 34against the force of an elastic return element 35, configured as helicalspring. On the inside, the sleeve 36 has coupling elements 37 in theform of latching balls 38. When the bushing 26 is inserted into thesleeve 36, the recesses 29 couple with the latching balls 38, whichtogether form a coupling device 39 of the tubular shaft instrument, sothat the bushing 26 and, consequently, the tubular shaft 14 can bereleasably fixed to the instrument grip 12.

A further coupling device, which is not shown in the drawings, is formedby the coupling element, not shown in the drawings, of the pullingand/or pushing force transmission element of the tubular shaft 14. Thiscoupling element couples with a coupling element, likewise not shown inthe drawings, of the instrument grip 12 in the form of a pulling and/orpushing member, known per se, which is mounted for axial displacement inthe main body 34.

For acting on the pulling and/or pushing member, the instrument grip 12comprises two grip elements 40 and 42, which, in a manner known per se,are mounted at the proximal end of the main body 34 for pivotal movementabout pivot axes extending transversely to the grip axis 32. In thiscontext, “transversely to the grip axis 32” means in a plane alignedperpendicularly to the grip axis 32. The grip elements 40 and 42 arediametrically opposed in relation to the grip axis 32 and are ofapproximately half-shell-shaped configuration. From a spread position(FIGS. 1, 2 and 8) the grip elements 40 and 42 can be pivoted relativeto the main body 34 and in relation thereto transferred to a close-upposition (not shown). The grip elements 40 and 42 then act in a mannerknown per se on the pulling and/or pushing member, so that the jaw parts22 can be acted on by means of the pulling and/or pushing forcetransmission element in order to actuate these.

At the proximal end, the instrument grip 12 comprises a closure element44 which, for partial closure of the main body 34, is inserted from theproximal direction into the main body 34. In this case, the closureelement 44 is of plug-shaped configuration, however, it could also be ofcap-shaped or stopper-shaped configuration. An axial through-channel 46is formed in the closure element 44. This makes it possible to connect apipe for cleaning or flushing liquid from the proximal direction to theclosure element 44 and, after use and release of the tubular shaft 14,to clean the reusable instrument grip 12 through the closure element 44.The closure element 44 engages over proximal bearing members, not shownin the drawings, of the grip elements 40 and 42, by way of which thegrip elements 40 and 42 are mounted for pivotal movement on the mainbody 34.

The closure element 44 is of one-piece construction and forms aconnecting element 48 which can interact with a correspondinglyconstructed connecting element of the tubular shaft 14, details of whichwill be given hereinbelow, to form a connecting device 50 of the tubularshaft instrument 10. For this purpose, the closure element 44 comprisesat the proximal end a receptacle 52 which is configured as blind hole54. The blind hole 54 is formed so as to extend in a straight line inthe closure element 44 and defines a hole axis 56 which includes anangle 58 with the grip axis 32. The angle 58 is an oblique angle, inrelation to a proximal-distal direction, an insertion opening 60 of theblind hole 54 being arranged more proximally on the instrument grip 12than an end of the blind hole 54 located opposite the insertion opening60 and closed by a bottom 62 (FIGS. 5 and 6). The insertion opening 60is arranged on the outer circumference of the closure element. Thethrough-channel 46 and the receptacle 52 also intersect each other atthe angle 58.

The closure element 44 is provided at the proximal end with aslit-shaped through-opening 64 which is formed in the proximal wall ofthe receptacle 52. Transversely to a plane defined by the grip axis 32and the hole axis 56, the through-opening 64 is narrower than the blindhole 54 of round cross section. Excluded from this is the section of thereceptacle 52 through which the axial through-channel 46 extends.

At the proximal end face, the closure element 44 is of planarconfiguration and has an abutment member 66 inclined relative to thegrip axis 32. A plane defined by the abutment member 66 extends parallelto the hole axis 46 and intersects the grip axis 32 also at the angle58.

As mentioned hereinabove, the tubular shaft 14 is a bipolar tubularshaft. The tubular shaft 14 has two electric connection lines 68 and 70for making electrical contact. Each of the connection lines 68 and 70 iselectrically connected to one of the jaw parts 22, so that these can beprovided with opposite electric polarity in order to coagulate tissuegrasped between the jaw parts 22 in the closed position.

The connection lines 68 and 70 are configured as flexible, electricallyinsulated cable lines, which, starting from the distal end 16, extend inthe tube 24 as far as the bushing 26. In this way, the connection lines68 and 70 are kept far from the operating site, which facilitateshandling of the tubular shaft instrument 10 and increases its electricalsafety.

As will be apparent, in particular, from FIG. 2, the tube 24 has, inrelation to the tube axis 30, a lateral outlet opening 72 in the form ofa through-opening 74. The through-opening 74 is arranged distally of thecoupling elements 28 on the proximal section of the tube 24, which issurrounded by the bushing 26. Formed in the bushing 26 in alignment withthe through-opening 74 is a through-opening 76. In the connected stateof the tubular shaft 14 and the instrument grip 12, the though-openings74 and 76 are essentially arranged immediately distally of theinstrument grip 12 on the section of the bushing 26 and the tube 24,respectively, that does not engage the sleeve 36.

The connection lines 68 and 70 are led through the though-openings 74and 76, so that they issue from the tube 24 distally of the instrumentgrip 12 and with their sections arranged proximally in relation to thethough-openings 74 and 76 extend outside of the instrument grip 12. Thisallows electrical contact to be made with the tubular shaft 14 withoutelectrical contact members having to be provided for this purpose in theinstrument grip 12, differently than in the case of generic instrumentgrips. Constructionally simpler configurations can thus be imparted tothe instrument grip 12, and, consequently, also to the tubular shaftinstrument 10. The cleaning of the instrument grip 12 is alsofacilitated by avoiding electrical contact members, in particular, inthe space surrounded by the main body 34. Likewise, there is no need forelectrical contact members to be provided on the section of the tubularshaft 14 engaging the instrument grip 12.

The sections of the connection lines 68 and 70 which have issued fromthe tube 24 have a common sheath 78 surrounding them. The sheath 78 iselongate and, in particular, straight-lined, for example, in the mannerof a cable channel. The sheath 78 combines both connection lines 68 and70 with positive locking for their protection and for simplifiedhandling of the tubular shaft 14. For further protection of theconnection lines 68 and 70, the sheath 78 is constructed so as to beresistant to bending. A flexible, pliable configuration of the sheathis, however, also conceivable.

The sheath 78 extends approximately from the distal end of theinstrument grip 12 to its proximal end, approximately to the edge of theinsertion opening 60 of the closure element 44. Transversely to the gripaxis 32, the sheath 78 is arranged between the grip elements 40 and 42.Consequently, the connection lines 68 and 70 extend parallel to the gripaxis 32, with the sheath 78 contacting the closure element 44 at theproximal end and otherwise extending at a short distance from the mainbody 34 and the sleeve 36.

The sheath 78 is positioned in such a way between the grip elements 40and 42 that also in their position close-up to the main body 34, foractuating the jaw parts 22, the grip elements do not contact the sheath78, and so the user does not find the sheath annoying when handling theinstrument grip 12. In addition, this enables a compact design of thetubular shaft instrument 10 also in the case of the connection lines 68and 70 extending outside of the instrument grip 12.

At the proximal end, the tubular shaft 14 has a connection element 80arranged at the connection lines 68 and 70. The connection element 80with a disk-shaped body 81 is of plug-shaped configuration with twoelectrical contact members 82 and 83, which at the proximal end faceissue from the body 81 parallel to the grip axis 32 and otherwise areaccommodated in the body 81. For example, the contact members 82 and 83are molded in the body 81. In the connection element 80, one of thecontact members 82 and 83, in each case, is electrically connected toone of the connection lines 68 and 70. To enable this, the proximal endsof the connection lines 68 and 70 issuing from the sheath 78 are ledtransversely to the grip axis 32 into the body 81, which, for thispurpose, has bores for receiving the connection lines 68 and 70.

The tubular shaft 14 can be connected by means of the connection element80 to an energy supply for providing electrosurgical energy, which canbe supplied by way of the contact members 82 and 83 and the connectionlines 68 and 70 to the jaw parts 22.

The, apart from the contact members 82 and 83, one-piece connectionelement 80 forms a connecting element 84 of the aforementionedconnecting device 50. In this way, the connection element 80 can bereleasably connected by positive and force locking to the closureelement 44, in order to fix the proximal sections of the connectionlines 68 and 70 which have issued from the tube 24 to the instrumentgrip 12 in a manner which is easy to handle. The connecting of theconnection element 80 to and the releasing of the connection element 80from the closure element 44 is, in particular, possible in auser-friendly manner without a tool.

The connection element 80 comprises for abutment on the closure element44 an abutment member 86, which is of planar configuration and isarranged at the distal end face of the connection element 80. Theabutment member 86 defines an inclined plane relative to the grip axis32. The inclined plane is aligned parallel to the hole axis 56 andcoincides with the plane defined by the abutment member 66 (FIG. 7). Inthe state in which they are connected to each other, the closure element44 and the connection element 80 can abut on each other in flange-likemanner by way of the abutment members 66 and 86 and thereby assume aspecially defined relative orientation to each other.

Protruding from the abutment member 86 in the distal direction is aprojection 88 of the connection element 80, which is configured as rib90. The projection 88 defines a projection axis 92, which is inclinedrelative to the grip axis 32 and is aligned parallel to the planedefined by the abutment member 86.

The rib 90 is adapted in dimension and shape to the receptacle 52 andhas a head section 94 positionable in the blind hole 54. The headsection 94 is of round cross section and is connected to the abutmentmember 86 by way of a neck section 96 of the projection 88, which isnarrower than the head section 94 transversely to the grip axis 32.

To connect the connection element 80 to the closure element 44, theprojection 88 can be inserted into the receptacle 52 (FIG. 7), with thehead section 94 engaging the blind hole 54 and the neck section 96engaging the through-opening 64. In this way, a positive and forcelocking is created between the closure element 44 and the connectionelement 80 for reliable connection, with the axial relative positioningalso being ensured by the abutment members 66 and 86 contacting eachother. The projection 88 and the receptacle 52 secure the connectionelement 80 and the closure element 44 on each other in all three spatialdirections axially along the grip axis 32 and transversely thereto.

Owing to the inclination of the coinciding hole axis 56 and projectionaxis 92 relative to the grip axis 32 an undercut is formed between theclosure element 44 and the connection element 80 in addition to thepositive locking of the projection 88 and the receptacle 52. In thisway, the closure element 44 and the connection element 80 are reliablysecured against unintentional release.

The connection lines 68 and 70 are of such dimensions that theirsections which have issued from the tube 24 are free of axial pullingand/or pushing forces when the closure element 44 and the connectionelement 80 are connected to each other. In particular, the connectionlines 68 and 70 are thereby relieved of strain and so damage thereto canbe largely avoided.

It proves advantageous for the sheath 78 to extend distally not quite asfar as the outlet opening 72 so that the connection lines 68 and 70 canbe bent or folded in the area of the outlet opening 72. This makes iteasier for a user to connect the connection element 80 to and releasethe connection element 80 from the closure element 44.

The closure element 44 at its section arranged outside of the main body34 and the connection element 80 are of cylindrical configuration inrelation to the grip axis 32 and are adapted to each other with respectto their diameter and their outer contour. In this way, the connectionelement 80 and the connecting element 48 are in alignment with eachother, so that the connection element 80 can be regarded as proximalextension of the instrument grip 12. On the one hand, this imparts apleasing appearance to the tubular shaft instrument 10 and, on the otherhand, facilitates its handling.

The releasable connection of the closure element 44 and the connectionelement 80 to each other proves advantageous because the instrument grip12 is reusable and with a plurality of tubular shafts can form anexchangeable shaft system. After use, the connection element 80 of thetubular shaft to be disposed of can be released from the instrument grip12 and, in addition, the tube 24 can be separated from the instrumentgrip 12. A further tubular shaft can be connected to the instrument grip12, and its respective connection element 80 is likewise releasablyconnectable to the closure element 44.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show fully or partly a further advantageous embodiment ofa tubular shaft instrument in accordance with the invention, denoted inits entirety by reference numeral 100. The tubular shaft instrument 100comprises advantageous embodiments of an instrument grip in accordancewith the invention and a tubular shaft in accordance with the invention,which are denoted by reference numerals 102 and 104, respectively.

The same reference numerals are used for features and components of thetubular shaft instruments 10 and 100, which are the same or have thesame effect. The advantages achievable with the tubular shaft instrument10 (and with the instrument grip 12 and the tubular shaft 14) can alsobe achieved with the tubular shaft instrument 100 (and accordingly withthe instrument grip 102 and the tubular shaft 104). Reference is made inthis connection to the explanations given hereinabove. Only the mostimportant differences will be discussed hereinbelow.

The most important difference between the tubular shaft instruments 10and 100 resides in the configuration of the connecting device 50, bymeans of which the connection element 80 is releasably fixable to theinstrument grip 102. In the case of the instrument grip 102, theconnecting element 48 formed by the closure element 44 is configured asprojection 106 in the direction of the connection element 80. Theprojection 106 is aligned coaxially with the grip axis 32 and forms partof the through-channel 46.

In this case, the projection 106 is a Luer connector for connecting aflushing pipe, in particular, the projection 106 is configured forformation of a Luer lock connection. A flushing pipe can be connected tothe instrument grip 102 from the proximal direction in order to cleanthe instrument grip 102 after use and release of the connection element80.

In the connection element 80, the connecting element 84 is a receptacle108. The receptacle 108 is an axially extending blind hole into whichthe projection 106 can be inserted. For connection to the projection106, the receptacle 108 is of complementary configuration thereto. Inparticular, a Luer lock connection of the connection element 80 to theclosure element 44 can thereby be made. For this purpose, the connectionelement 80 can be brought up close to the closure element 44 andconnected to it by screwing while rotating about the grip axis 32. Athread 110 on the wall of the receptacle 108 can interact with anextension 112 of the projection 106, which is aligned transversely tothe grip axis 32.

In the case of the tubular shaft instrument 100, it is also possible toconnect the connection element 80 to the instrument grip 102 or torelease the connection element 80 from the instrument grip 102 without atool.

The sheath 78 of the connection lines 68, 70, not shown in FIGS. 9 to11, is flexible in the case of the tubular shaft 104. For example, it isa flexible hose line.

Arranged at the proximal end on the connection lines 68, 70 is a plug-inmember 114 with contact members 116, 118. By connecting the plug-inmember 114 to the connection element 80, the contact members 116, 118can be electrically connected to the contact members 82 and 83,respectively, and, therefore, as a result, the connection lines 68, 70electrically contacted. The plug-in member 114 can be released from theconnection element 80.

It is, of course, conceivable for the connection lines 68, 70 to be ledat the proximal end into the connection element 80, as is the case inthe tubular shaft instrument 10, without a releasable connection beingprovided therefor by way of the plug-in member 114.

What is claimed is:
 1. Electrosurgical tubular shaft for use with asurgical instrument grip for formation of an electrosurgical tubularshaft instrument, comprising: a tube, an electrosurgical tool arrangedat a distal end of the tube, at least one electric connection lineelectrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, at leastone coupling element arranged at a proximal end of the tube forinteracting with at least one corresponding coupling element of theinstrument grip for releasably coupling the instrument grip to thetubular shaft, the tube comprising an outlet opening which is arrangeddistally of the at least one coupling element and through which the atleast one connection line issues from the tube, and an electricconnection element for an electric energy supply, which is arranged atthe proximal end on the at least one connection line.
 2. Tubular shaftin accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one connection lineissues at a side from the tube, transversely to a direction defined bythe tube.
 3. Tubular shaft in accordance with claim 1, wherein theoutlet opening is a through-opening which is formed in the tube andthrough which the at least one connection line issues from the tube. 4.Tubular shaft in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a bushing,receiving the tube, for insertion into a corresponding sleeve of theinstrument grip, the bushing comprising at a proximal end at least onecoupling element, and wherein there is formed in the bushing athrough-opening through which the at least one connection line is led.5. Tubular shaft in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a sheathsurrounding the at least one connection line at a section of the atleast one connection line which has issued from the tube, the sheathbeing one of resistant to bending or flexible.
 6. Tubular shaft inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the tubular shaft is a bipolarelectrosurgical tubular shaft and comprises two electric connectionlines electrically connected to the tool.
 7. Tubular shaft in accordancewith claim 6, wherein a common connection element is provided, which isarranged at the proximal end on both connection lines.
 8. Tubular shaftin accordance with claim 1, wherein the tool is a forceps tool. 9.Tubular shaft in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at leastone contact member which is accommodated in the connection element andis electrically connected to the at least one connection line. 10.Tubular shaft in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at leastone connecting element for releasably fixing the at least one connectionline to the instrument grip.
 11. Tubular shaft in accordance with claim10, wherein the at least one connection element comprises or forms theat least one connecting element.
 12. Tubular shaft in accordance withclaim 11, wherein the at least one connecting element is formed in onepiece with the at least one connection element.
 13. Tubular shaft inaccordance with claim 10, wherein the at least one connecting elementcomprises or forms an abutment member for the instrument grip on adistal end face.
 14. Surgical instrument grip for use with anelectrosurgical tubular shaft, the surgical instrument grip comprising:at least one coupling element for interacting with at least onecorresponding coupling element of the tubular shaft for releasablycoupling the tubular shaft to the instrument grip, and at least oneconnecting element for releasably fixing at least one connection line ofthe tubular shaft to the instrument grip, the at least one connectingelement being arranged on a proximal end face of the instrument grip,wherein the tubular shaft comprises: a tube, an electrosurgical toolarranged at a distal end of the tube, the at least one electricconnection line, which is electrically connected to the tool andextending in the tube, the at least one coupling element, which isarranged at a proximal end of the tube for interacting with the at leastone corresponding coupling element of the instrument grip for releasablycoupling the instrument grip to the tubular shaft, the tube comprisingan outlet opening which is arranged distally of the at least onecoupling element and through which the at least one connection lineissues from the tube, and an electric connection element for an electricenergy supply, which is arranged at the proximal end on the at least oneconnection line.
 15. Instrument grip in accordance with claim 14,wherein the at least one connecting element comprises or forms anabutment member on a proximal end face of the instrument grip for aconnecting element of the tubular shaft.
 16. Electrosurgical tubularshaft instrument, comprising: a surgical instrument grip, the surgicalinstrument grip comprising: at least one coupling element forinteracting with at least one corresponding coupling element of thetubular shaft for releasably coupling the tubular shaft to theinstrument grip, and at least one connecting element for releasablyfixing at least one connection line of the tubular shaft to theinstrument grip, and an electrosurgical tubular shaft, the tubular shaftcomprising: a tube, an electrosurgical tool arranged at a distal end ofthe tube, the at least one electric connection line, which iselectrically connected to the tool and extending in the tube, the atleast one coupling element, which is arranged at a proximal end of thetube for interacting with the at least one corresponding couplingelement of the instrument grip for releasably coupling the instrumentgrip to the tubular shaft, the tube comprising an outlet opening whichis arranged distally of the at least one coupling element and throughwhich the at least one connection line issues from the tube, an electricconnection element for an electric energy supply, which is arranged atthe proximal end on the at least one connection line, and at least oneconnecting element for interacting with the at least one correspondingconnecting element of the instrument grip.
 17. Tubular shaft instrumentin accordance with claim 16, wherein the at least one connection line isof such dimensions that with a section of the at least one connectionline which has issued from the tube it is free or substantially free ofaxial pulling and/or pushing forces.
 18. Tubular shaft instrument inaccordance with claim 16, wherein the section of the at least oneconnection line which has issued from the tube extends axially parallelfrom distal to proximal along the instrument grip.
 19. Tubular shaftinstrument in accordance with claim 16, wherein the section of the atleast one connection line which has issued from the tube extendstransversely to an axial direction alongside an actuatable grip elementof the instrument grip for acting on the tool.
 20. Tubular shaftinstrument in accordance with claim 16, wherein the instrument gripcomprises two actuatable grip elements for acting on the tool, with thesection of the at least one connection line which has issued from thetube extending between the grip elements, in relation to a directiontransverse to the axial direction.